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Backing Bexley Business

James Brokenshire has given his support to a campaign supporting local business. The Local MP’s Visit to Smile Please Studio in Blackfen on Friday formed part of an initiative by the Federation of Small Business to ‘Keep Trade Local’.

Smile Please Studio, Wellington Parade, Blackfen, is run by local entrepreneur Serra Chakarto and James heard about the challenges of running a small firm in the current business environment as well as the work of the Federation of Small Business (FSB) in supporting local companies. The FSB has been running a successful campaign to Keep Trade Local for nearly five years alongside a call to support independent retailers. These campaigns are intended highlight the important role that small businesses and independent retailers play in the local economy. Around 70 pence in every pound spent locally remains in the local economy.

As part of his visit James also heard about the ‘Real Life Entrepreneur champion’ campaign, an FSB initiative to support the spirit of entrepreneurship and recognise the important role of small businesses in our economy.

Commenting on the visit James said:

“I warmly welcome this campaign since small businesses such as Serra’s are the backbone of our economy. It is vital that we do all we can to encourage people to shop local and support businesses like Smile Please Studio. I feel strongly about reducing unnecessary regulation and bureaucracy for small firms and making it easier for people to start their own businesses”.

Serra Chakarto said:

“It’s great that James was able to come and visit my business and that he has signed up to become a Real Life Entrepreneur champion. Small businesses are really struggling with issues such as cash flow, access to affordable loans and business support. The fact that he came to visit demonstrates he is listening to small businesses such as mine which are keen to grow.”